John Thomas Hudec

January 9, 1952 - January 3, 2020
On January 3rd, the world lost a beautiful soul, John Thomas Hudec (67). John passed away two weeks after being diagnosed with the rare neurological disease CJD, which attacks one in a million.
Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta to John and Justine Hudec, the family moved to their home in Ymir, BC in 1955 where John was raised spending his days exploring the outdoors. John married his high school sweetheart Shirley and they made their home in the heart of Salmo where they raised their two daughters, Celena and Raycene.
John was a strong, fearless and independent man whose love for the outdoors started early. Throughout his life he enjoyed playing slo-pitch, tug-o-war, fishing, hunting and shooting, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ATVing, skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, camping and viewing wildlife with Shirley. His career for forty plus years was spent in the forest, in the timber industry. His favorite pass time was chasing around his grandchildren, whether it be at a hockey arena, ball field or popping by for a "quick" visit. They really were the love of his life. He dedicated himself to raising and caring for his family.
John will be remembered for the great pride that he carried for his loved ones, family and friends. His outgoing personality and his desire to strike up a conversation with everyone he met which will always ring true to their hearts.
The girls will remember him as being their true Superhero, constructing a skating rink for them in the winter, attending all sporting events no matter where the location and continuing on with this tradition with his grandchildren.
John is survived by his loving wife Shirley of 40 plus years and his daughters Celena (Shane), Raycene (Tyler); his grandchildren Keegan, Madison, Jaxon; his siblings Janice (Alan), Jim (Bobbi), Judy (Joe); his numerous nieces and nephews, all of his in-laws, relatives who number in the hundreds and all the cherished friendships that he had. John was predeceased by his father and mother John and Justine Hudec and his sister Joyce Hudec.
We truly lost a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed by all of us. Our family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all the thoughtful expressions of love and kindness by relatives and friends during their time of loss.
We would also like to thank all of the medical staff from Salmo Valley Clinic, the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, Kootenay Lake Hospital and the Kelowna General Hospital for all of their care and support during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Salmo Community Centre on Saturday, February 1st at 1 pm. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
 Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services